Ratings soar for thrilling Sandown return

The return to racing at Sandown last weekend saw a large audience tune into a thrilling weekend of action.

The Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint marked the first race weekend in Victoria since November 2019.

Excited fans returned to the iconic Melbourne venue to enjoy the three entertaining races, which were all won by Shane van Gisbergen.

The on-track action was reflected in the broadcast, with the Sunday broadcast recording an average of 166,500 people on Foxtel.

WATCH: INCREDIBLE PASSES AT SANDOWN

It marked a 35 per cent increase on Round 2 in 2020, adding to the standout ratings at the season-opening Repco Mt Panorama 500, which saw the return of the Seven Network.

The dramatic Race 4 on Sunday afternoon saw 174,000 tune in on Foxtel, which marked the largest audience for an exclusive race since the 2019 Sandown 500.

Race 4 drew a larger audience than all three AFL games on Foxtel on Sunday.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer was delighted with Sandown’s successful return, and praised fans for supporting the championship’s return to Victoria.

“We were over the moon to see racing return to Victoria for the first time in 16 months,” Seamer said.

“Despite the rain on Sunday, fans turned out and were rewarded with some brilliant racing.

“That was reflected by the outstanding broadcast ratings, highlighting the world-class quality of our broadcast.

“We’re already counting down the days to the next round in Tasmania.”

The series will continue at the Beaurepaires Tasmania SuperSprint across April 10-11. Tickets are on sale now.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo.